South Africa’s rich tapestry of history is woven not only in its major cities but also in its lesser-known towns, each with a unique story to tell. In the shadows of bustling metropolises and popular tourist destinations, these ten historic South African towns have managed to preserve their captivating pasts, offering visitors a journey back in time. From charming mountain villages with stunning sandstone architecture to quaint gold-rush towns that once echoed with the excitement of prospectors, each of these hidden gems showcases a different facet of South Africa’s diverse history. Join us as we embark on a journey through time, exploring 10 Historic South African Towns Time Almost Forgot.
READ: Guide to some of South Africa’s best little towns
1. Ficksburg
Source: Facebook / @Ficksburg Gemeenskap Forum
South Africa’s rich tapestry of history is woven not only in its major cities but also in its lesser-known historic South African towns, each with a unique story to tell. Known as the nation’s cherry capital, Ficksburg, a quaint mountain village close to Lesotho, boasts stunning sandstone architecture reminiscent of the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Notably, its post office and town hall are prominent landmarks along the Sandstone Way, a trail that unveils the beauty of sandstone structures. Among these architectural gems lies the country’s highest sandstone building, a mill beside a railway siding merely 20 kilometres away from the town.
2. Barberton
Source: Facebook / @Barberton
In the serene and verdant mining enclave of Barberton, nestled in the valley adjacent to Nelspruit, you’ll find a treasure trove of historic South African town structures and a rich heritage that harkens back to the bustling days of the gold rush.
Derived from the name of a delicate daisy, Barberton offers a captivating journey through its historic South African town history and the town’s profound ties to the Sheba, Agnes, Fairview, and Consort gold mines. Along this intriguing historical South African town route, you’ll encounter the enigmatic figure of Cockney Liz, the famed Percy Fitzpatrick, Sammy Marks, and a remarkable display of some of our planet’s most impeccably preserved ancient rocks.
3. Cullinan
Source: Facebook / @Cullinan
This 19th-century mining town, located just east of Pretoria Accommodation, holds a unique place in history for being one of the historic South African towns where the site of the discovery of one of the world’s largest diamonds took place. Beyond its historical significance, the town boasts a delightful Victorian ambience, featuring picturesque streets adorned with oak and jacaranda trees, charming ‘broekie lace’ cottages, picket fences, and various inviting restaurants. These distinctive features make it a beloved destination for visitors.
4. Matjiesfontein
Source: Facebook / @The Lord Milner, Matjiesfontein
Historic South African town, Matjiesfontein, the small railway siding town that seems frozen in time, retains its charm just as it did a century ago.
With its immaculate row of Victorian buildings and a period hotel boasting a grand staircase (and even a resident ghost), you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The sight of a double-decker red bus straight out of the streets of London adds to the town’s unique ambience. Steeped in history as an outpost of the British Empire, Matjiesfontein might have faded away were it not for the reliable arrival of the Blue Train, which stops here like clockwork.
5. Swellendam
Source: Facebook / @Swellendam Tourism Experience
Cape Dutch architecture, the Moederkerk, and an excellent museum are just a few of the delightful features that adorn the picturesque historic South African town of Swellendam, nestled against a scenic mountain backdrop along the Breede River. Moreover, its strategic location offers a convenient base for visitors, as it is close to the Tradouw Pass, providing a connection to Route 62.
In June 1795, Swellendam gained independence, breaking away from the Dutch East Indian Company to become its own Republic. This proud historic South African legacy was rekindled in June 2011 when it reemerged as a “republic of love, community, unity, art, music, good food, and beauty.”
6. Cradock
Source: Facebook / @HelloCradock
In the past, Cradock served as the final resting place for travelers before embarking on their journey into the country’s remote interior. Today, this charming historic South African town owes its prosperity to the Great Fish River and the tourists who make it a pit stop on their route to the coast.
From the whimsical wire windmill sculptures lining the N10 to the historic landmarks like the Moederkerk and the Victorian-era Tuishuise, as well as the stately Victorian Manor on Market Street, Cradock offers an abundance of quaint and delightful attractions to captivate visitors.
7. Pilgrim’s Rest
Source: Facebook / @ Pilgrim’s Rest SA
Nestled atop a hill along Mpumalanga’s picturesque Panorama Route, this historic South African town showcases a charming blend of corrugated iron and wooden houses that line its main street. The town boasts a storied history, with an inviting historic hotel where you can still book a stay. As you explore, you’ll uncover intriguing tales of daring thieves and intrepid diggers, and you’ll stumble upon a tranquil graveyard perched above the town, each element adding depth to the historic South African town’s rich narrative.
8. Elim
Source: Facebook / @Elim, Western Cape
Historic South African Towns – Elim, situated around 30 km inland from Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, is a charming Moravian mission town in the Overberg region. This quaint settlement, known for its whitewashed and vibrantly coloured thatched cottages, holds a historical significance as it was originally established as a refuge for freed slaves.
Nowadays, Elim is inhabited by the descendants of those freed slaves, and if you visit, Emile Richter can be your knowledgeable guide. He will lead you on a captivating journey through the Moravian church, past the solemn slave monument, to the operational watermill, and further into the historic Ou Huis.
9. Graaff-Reinet
Source: Facebook / @Graaff-Reinet Magazine
Nestled gracefully along the meandering Sundays River, this charming historic South African town boasts an impressive collection of 220 national monument-designated buildings.
Furthermore, it resides within the borders of the Camdeboo National Park, proudly holding the title of the fourth-oldest historic South African town in the nation. Nestled amid the scenic foothills of the Sneeuberge, it stands as a captivating blend of picturesque beauty and historical significance.
10. Grahamstown
Source: Facebook / @Grahamstown Classifieds
Historic South African towns like Grahamstown, often referred to as the ‘City of Saints,’ are places where prominent cathedrals, over 40 religious structures, Rhodes University, public schools, and a rich collection of historic buildings dominate the landscape. This charming town serves as the capital of what is known as ‘Settler country.’
While its annual arts festival is a notable event on the calendar, Grahamstown offers much more to explore. Its museums, diverse dining establishments, welcoming pubs, art galleries, picturesque tree-lined avenues, and distinctive Georgian and Victorian shopfronts contribute to the town’s allure as an enticing destination for history enthusiasts and adventurers.
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